In the early Spring, April had reached out to me after seeing someone post about my career coaching services. She had been thinking about making a career change for awhile, and since she was already preparing to move out of state, it felt like the perfect time to take another big step.
April had spent over 15 years in the classroom. She loved many aspects of teaching — the relationships, the sense of purpose, and the daily opportunity to make a difference. But like many educators, she was also carrying the weight of burnout. As she described it, “Burnout is so strong with teachers and those working in schools because it comes from a place of care." April’s experience speaks to a deeper truth: many professionals in caregiving roles push through their exhaustion because they believe that’s what dedication looks like.
In our work together, April gave herself permission to explore what it meant to choose herself, not out of selfishness, but out of a desire to live in alignment with her values, energy, and well-being. But choosing yourself doesn't mean the path forward is easy.
When April and I started working together in late March, she felt ahead of the game. Her goal was to secure something by August, which seemed realistic. But as the summer unfolded, the job market proved more competitive than expected, and doubt started to creep in. What helped her stay grounded during that uncertain stretch was having support, structure, and compassion. “You helped me so much to not feel crazy,” April told me. “Just having a sounding board made a huge difference.”
April also created a daily rhythm that kept her anchored. She woke up at the same time each day, went through a morning routine, and spent part of her day at a local coffee shop applying to roles. But just as importantly, she built in breaks. She prioritized doing things that brought her joy and set achievable goals.
One of the most valuable lessons April learned during her search? Stay social.
“I found my current job through a personal connection,” she said. “Going to networking events, talking to neighbors and friends, letting people know I was looking was just as important as hyper-applying. Who you know, or who you get to know, really does matter.”
April’s story is proof that staying intentional, connected, and self-compassionate can carry you through even the most uncertain transitions. Her journey is a reminder that choosing change isn’t easy, but it can absolutely be worth it!
"Abbie has been an incredibly supportive career counselor, going above and beyond during one of the biggest transitions of my professional life! As I've been navigating getting out of the classroom, she helped me assess my career values with clarity and care, always bringing thoughtfulness and insight to our conversations. She's very easy to talk to, remarkably organized, and genuinely invested in helping me find a path that aligns with both my experience and personal goals." - April N.
